BOC seized P5.70B smuggled vapes from Jan. to Oct.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized more than P5 billion worth of illicit vape products in the first 10 months of 2024, resulting from its anti-smuggling enforcement efforts.

In a statement, the BOC said its operations resulted in the seizure of P5.070 billion worth of smuggled vape products from January to October 2024.

The Customs added that among its recent crackdown operations include the uncovering of smuggled disposable vape with an approximate value of P12.6 million in a vape shop in San Pedro, Laguna; and the seizure of assorted imported vape devices, vape pods, and disposable vapes worth P6.475 million, among other illicit items discovered in a separate operation conducted in Quiapo, Manila.

“These operations highlight the BOC’s unwavering determination to dismantle the illicit networks behind vape smuggling and the continuous strengthening of its enforcement capabilities,” the bureau said.

“With the support of enhanced intelligence-sharing, the BOC remains vigilant in addressing emerging trends in illicit trade,” it added.

The BOC said it intends to continue fostering regular coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies, private stakeholders to conduct joint operations and continuously advance effective enforcement actions against smuggled vape products.

The bureau said it “will be steadfast in its commitment in upholding the provisions outlined in Republic Act No. 11900, the ‘Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act,’ and Republic Act No. 10863, the ‘Customs Modernization and Tariff Act’.”

—VAL, GMA Integrated News